In today's devotion, explore another of Charles Wesley's great hymns, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," which has some unexpected influences. "Pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love."...
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship his holy name." Praise the Lord this morning with the Rev. Marc Boutan while exploring Psalm 103, one of Father Marc's favorite psalms, and the song "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman. ...
Join us for worship on the Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, June 28! The Reverend Brian K. McGreevy, will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. You may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
Hello, Tricounty community. This past week we served record numbers of families. On Wednesday, we saw 186 families and at our first Second Saturday food distribution, we saw 73 families. We were blessed to be able to support so many families – over 800 people in their households! But now our food panty shelves are bare. We expect to receive black beans and cereal from the Food Bank this week. We are relying on you to provide other nutritious food....
"We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:20) What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? As we as ambassadors reach out across boundaries, how do we ensure we don't undermine our mission by being accidentally hurtful?...
Click the link below to read the St. Philip's eSPIRE, the email version of our weekly inSPIRE newsletter, which is packed with information about all that's going on in the life of our parish....
Our names are engraved on the palms of our Lord's hands. Explore the permanence of God's love for us with Marc Boutan as he gives his musical offering, Charlie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook's "Before the Throne of God Above."...
A few years ago, I sat in a question-and-answer session with Jeff, who was still early in his ministry at St. Philip's. One question was about his vision for our church. Among other things, he talked about the importance of getting to know one another, practicing hospitality, the church being a family, and becoming the type of community where we “bear one another’s burdens.” ...
Explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy today the great hymn "Lift High the Cross," including the background of its author, George Kitchin, and the inspiration behind it. "Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name."...
Today, Judge Edgar W. Dickson, Judge of the First Judicial Circuit in the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas, issued an Order finding that St. Philip’s did not accede to the 1979 Dennis Canon and is thus the owner of its property. He further found that no other Parish acceded to the Dennis Canon and thus no trust was ever created in favor of The Episcopal Church (TEC). This is the ruling for which we have been praying....
Join us for worship on the Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 21! The Reverend Jeffrey S. Miller, Rector, will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. You may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
The apostle Paul said in his letter to Timothy that "in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." When we look to our leaders in these turbulent times, and as we seek to be change-makers, how do we ensure we are aligning ourselves with movements that are walking in the way of the cross?...
“What is truth?” This question posed to Jesus by Pontius Pilate in John chapter 18 is still being asked today, with a myriad of answers and implications. What is the truth about truth, and what does it mean for Christians today?...
In today's devotion, learn about the text and tune of "Praise to the Living God," one of the great hymns of the church that actually has its origins in a Jewish doxology. "Praise to the living God! All praisèd be His name, who was, and is, and is to be, for aye the same!" ...
Usually this time of year Gerry and I are in full-swing packing mode. We would have boxes of toothbrushes and toothpaste that many of you would have donated stacked in one corner. We would have boxes of reading glasses, that many of you would have donated, stacked in another corner. There would be huge trash bags of used tennis balls, boxes of toys, grocery bags full of art supplies, all sorts of over-the-counter medicines and medical supplies for our health care workers and donated musical instruments stacked everywhere. Everything would be carefully inventoried and arranged in old suitcases and duffle bags to be hand-carried by mission team members, usually about 10 of us. We would be leaving early on a Wednesday morning and traveling to the island of La Gonâve, Haiti, to visit our Partnership friends and celebrate St. John the Baptist feast day (June 24th) with our sister church, St. Jean Baptiste! ...
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." In his final daily devotion, the Rev. Ryan Streett looks to Psalm 16:11 as he concludes his series about cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about God, the object of our worship, this time focusing on God's attribute of blessedness....
Dear St. Phillip’s Church partners, We are so grateful for your support in collecting food last week for our ministry. Our shelves were bare and we were facing a dilemma, not knowing how we would care for the families who would be coming to us on Wednesday. You responded with an overwhelming outpouring of compassion in action with your donations of food and grocery bags. Your donations filled our food pantry and enabled our volunteers to fill bags full of nutritious food for our neighbors in need....
Join us for worship on the Second Sunday After Pentecost, June 14! The Reverend Andrew O'Dell will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. Starting this week, you may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
God loves the whole world and cares about every need, and he has put those cares, those little pieces of his heart, into the hearts of his children so that the needs of the world may be met. What is the Church's role in meeting the infinite needs of the world? What is YOUR role?...
The apostle Paul says in the third chapter of 2 Timothy that in the last days, "people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive ... treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power"...
"Amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!" In today's devotion, learn about renowned British hymn writer Charles Wesley, who was the 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and who at least once worshiped at St. Philip's during a journey to the southern United States. Then reflect with the Rev. Brian McGreevy on Wesley's hymn "And Can It Be."...
We loved seeing your smiling faces at the drop-off point Tuesday morning! Thank you, St. Philippians, for another outpouring of love and support with canned goods and monetary contributions for Tricounty Family Ministries. Chef Connie Stahl was also able to clean out the fridge and freezer in the Parish Hall kitchen and donate casseroles and other items. We delivered one truck and three SUVs full of your donations!...
Continue cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about God, the object of our worship, focusing this week on Psalm 2 and God's sovereignty over our lives. "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession."...
Have you ever felt pushed out of your comfort zone into uncertainty and wondered whether God would be there to help? Reflect today on Psalm 91 and the song "On Eagle's Wings": And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand....
Join us for worship on Trinity Sunday, June 7! The Reverend Ryan T. Streett will be delivering his final sermon at St. Philip's, "Crowned with Universal Praise," before he goes on to serve as rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, Mississippi. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." As we think about what's happening in the world around us, let us remember three things: to pray, to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and to listen to the voices of those who are hurting....
In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus effectively diagnoses the problem in society and in the world: the corruption of the human heart. What does Scripture say is the cure? The responsibility lies with us as Christians: to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, which alone can turn stony hearts into hearts of flesh....
Dearest People of God in the Anglican Church in North America: I write you with a tremendous heaviness in my spirit and soul as I observe and participate in what is happening today in the United States of America. If ever there is a time for the people of God to fall on our faces before God and plead for his mercy and intervention, now is the time. As believers, we are given the privilege of coming to the Throne of Grace with our petitions and requests, and he promises to hear us (1 John 5:14,15)....
"I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three." This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, and in today's reflection with Brian McGreevy, learn about the fascinating life of the often-misunderstood St. Patrick, who wrote the hymn most know as "St. Patrick's Breastplate."...
Hello, Tricounty supporters. I’m so grateful for the support we’ve received from so many of you. We could not continue this ministry without you. Responding to the initial threat of the virus was challenging, and now, as we cautiously start to reopen more of our services, we are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people who are coming for the first time....
Would you like someone to pray with you, or would you like to request prayer for someone else?...
"For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps." Revisit with the Rev. Ryan Streett the theme of cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about the object of our worship, this time reflecting on Psalm 135:5-6 and God's omnipotence, his absolute power versus his ordained power. ...
A Message from the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina: Please keep the family and loved ones of the Very Rev. Dr. Peter Moore, Director of the Anglican Leadership Institute, in your prayers. Peter died on the Eve of Pentecost, May 30, following a battle with cancer. Details for a service have not yet been announced. The following is a message from the Rev. Al Zadig, Rector of St. Michael's Church Charleston, where Peter served as Scholar-in-Residence. ...
"You have forsaken your first love ... Repent, and do the things you did at first." (Revelation 2:4-5.) In today's devotion, the Rev. Marc Boutan reflects on the enthusiasm he expressed in his early days as a "happy-clappy" Christian....
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Brian K. McGreevy, and we will be celebrating Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, with Spiritual Communion. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
When the trials of this life begin to get you down, whatever those trials may be, remember the words of St. Paul in the 8th chapter of his letter to the Romans: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."...
"Come, thou fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace." Prepare for Pentecost by stepping back in time to the mid-18th century to meet Robert Robinson, the young troublemaker who would go on to write this great hymn....
We all want to be great. We all want to make a positive impact, no matter our vocation in life. But what does it mean to be great in the sight of the Lord? What did Jesus mean in Matthew chapter 18 when he said we must become like little children to be great in the Kingdom of God?...
If not for the pandemic, many in our parish family would have spent last weekend or a weekend coming up celebrating a loved one's graduation. There would be ceremonies: caps and gowns, deans and diplomas, confetti and car keys (maybe), kisses and hugs from family, and hugs and handshakes from the families of fellow graduates....
"Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." On Sunday, we looked at the Ascension from the point of view of Jesus' departure (Luke 24), but today, see the Ascension from the point of view of his arrival at the gates of Heaven by looking at Psalm 24 with the Rev. Ryan Streett....
"Day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly..." Visit Wadmalaw Island and sing and pray along with the Rev. Marc Boutan today....
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Jeffrey S. Miller, and we will be celebrating the Feast of the Ascension. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel. ...
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude." In today's devotion, take a closer look at the context of the familiar words of 1 Corinthians 13 and learn what St. Paul is telling us about the building up of the Church....
Today, on the Feast of the Ascension, the Rev. Brian McGreevy shares some unexpected facts about W. Chatterton Dix, who wrote the profoundly moving words of "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" in 1866. Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! he is near us, faith believes, nor questions how: Though the cloud from sight received him, when the forty days were o’er, Shall our hearts forget his promise, “I am with you evermore”?...
What must a person do to be saved? Explore Acts chapter 16 with the Reverend Jeff Miller to find Saint Paul's answer to this most important question....
This spring I found a packet of tomato seeds in my desk drawer that was dated 2013. Someone had sent me the seeds in the mail as an advertisement for a survivor supply retailer. They were Heritage tomatoes of the Rutgers variety. Since my dad used to plant that kind every year, I decided to plant the seeds with very little thought that any of the "old" seeds would even sprout. I was not surprised that after a couple of weeks in the flat, I still saw nothing green. ...
Today, work again with the Rev. Ryan Streett at cultivating a heart of worship, this time exploring God's infinitude and our difficulty...
Join the Rev. Marc Boutan on Wadmalaw Island this morning as he shares his appreciation for the flavor of Celtic Christianity and its emphasis on the Trinity. Then sing along to the hymn "Be Thou My Vision," set to the familiar Irish tune "Slane."...
God said to his people, exiled from their homeland in Babylon, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7) The Rev. Marc Boutan prayed these words in the conclusion to his May 17 sermon: ...
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Marc R. Boutan. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Many are eager for our church to get back to business as usual. Join the Rev. Andrew O'Dell today as he reflects on moving forward faithfully, using Joshua 1:9 and Galatians 6:2 as a guide....
Today, take a closer look with the Rev. Brian McGreevy at the imagery of one of the great hymns of the church, one that dates as far back as the 6th or 7th century. Within the words of "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing," you will find the explanation of God's love and the wonder of what Jesus accomplished on the cross....
Join the Rev. Jeff Miller for a reflection on John Chapter 12, verses 1-8: The Anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany. What can we learn from the example of Mary, the woman who was always found sitting at the Lord’s feet?...
“Hi, Miss Em!” “Hello, Carole!” “I like that painting behind you, Cam!” “Why can’t I see everybody’s faces?” “You have to click on gallery view.” “Are you really in Nebraska?” These are samples of conversations among those who joined the Rector's Thursday Bible study last week. Everybody was so happy to be together again, and many signed on early so that they could chat. At the end of the study another opportunity was given for people to visit. What joy we all experienced to be connected this way on the marvel of Zoom....
Knowing something about God, the object of our worship, is one way to begin to cultivate a heart of worship, and we can learn a lot about God through the psalter. Take a look at Psalm 27:4 with the Rev. Ryan Streett this morning and explore the beauty of God....
Dear St. Philip’s Family, This past week, Bishop Lawrence announced to the clergy of our diocese a new set of guidelines intended to direct the next phase of our worship planning in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These guidelines go into effect on May 17 for all parishes hoping to resume public worship. It is important to understand that these are guidelines and not a one-size-fits-all solution for every parish in the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. The following excerpts are of particular importance:...
In today's reflection, the Rev. Marc Boutan offers you Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive's "Is He Worthy?". "Does our God intend to dwell again with us? He does."...
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Andrew R. O'Dell. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
The apostle Paul said in his letter to Timothy: "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life." Join the Rev. Andrew O'Dell as he reflects on these different types of prayer and the importance of praying for ALL of our leaders....
On the National Day of Prayer, the Rev. Brian McGreevy shares the story of Henry Lyte, who wrote the great hymn "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" and many others following a revival of his faith....
Join the Rev. Jeff Miller today for a reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10. “It’s only because Jesus was the Good Samaritan to us that we are empowered and given the strength to be good samaritans to others.”...
I did it! I stepped out and volunteered my time and energy to help prepare food for the weekly giveaway at Tricounty Family Ministries. My job today: prepping peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be given out tomorrow! Could there be a better job for a mother of three boys than prepping PB&J?...
"For you are with me." While people use many different psalms in times of trial and adversity, Psalm 23 is often reserved for the lowest valley, the sharpest pain. In today's reflection with the Rev. Ryan Streett, take a closer look at what's at the heart of this strong medicine for the weary soul....
God is a loving father, and he loves YOU. Today, the Rev. Marc Boutan shares the ways he stays in God's love, including reading his Bible as well as messages rooted in Scripture, and he offers up Pat Barrett and Tony Brown's "You're a Good, Good Father."...
Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Ryan T. Streett. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service." Check in today with the Rev. Andrew O'Dell, who is offering some encouragement and guidance to all, especially those whose well might be dry during these stressful times....
"I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever." In preparation for Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy the history and meaning of the great hymn "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," a mixture of Psalm 23 and the great Good News of Jesus himself being our Shepherd....
Join the Rev. Jeff Miller as we read Mark 1:40-45 and consider the account of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. What does this story teach us about Jesus Christ, the Great Physician?...
St. Philip’s Children’s Choir program brings together almost one hundred children who actively serve the Lord in rehearsals on a weekly basis September through May. The joy and love of serving the Lord in song begins early at St. Philip’s with the three- and four-year-olds of the Cherub Choir. These children grow in their love of the Lord and in their service to the Lord in song throughout their many years in the choir program. During the last two years, the Canterbury and St. David Choirs were involved in mission trips, singing at the convention of the American Choral Directors Association in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 22, 2018, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these choristers....
Explore with the Rev. Ryan Streett Psalm 119:9,11. We all know to use our Bible in the midst of trials and difficulty, but do you know that it's more important to use it as a tool in preparing for those times?...
"My grace is sufficient; my power is made perfect in your weakness." Join the Rev. Marc Boutan on breezy Wadmalaw Island as he illustrates the message of 2 Corinthians 12:9 with Dennis Jernigan's "You Are My All in All."...
I’m so excited to report to you that yesterday at our food distribution, we served 129 individuals by giving out 229 bags of groceries, along with toiletry kits and diapers, and helped to feed 420 people. But more than the numbers, the true story was in the faces of the people we served: the joy on the face of a mom who wasn’t sure if we would have diapers to share, the relief of a man who requested ready-to-eat food, the excitement of the kid who was riding his bike down our street and got to take groceries home to his family. We are making a difference, one life at a time, and that is how we will rebuild our community....
A note from Kara Stewart, Executive Director of Tricounty Family Ministries: I hope that you are all safe and healthy in these extraordinary times. Tricounty has experienced many challenges with the spread of the virus in our community. We shut down our services, including our food distribution, out of an abundance of caution. Most of our staff and many of our volunteers fall in the higher-risk categories, and so we wanted to protect everyone from this deadly virus. We have spent the last three weeks strategizing, learning more about the virus and its spread, seeking guidance on safety protocol, and thinking creatively about how we can pursue our mission to provide basic needs during this crisis....
John 14:26: "The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you." What does Scripture say about the Holy Spirit? John 14-16 tells you a lot. I suggest you study and meditate on these chapters. Here are a few more job descriptions to ponder: He is equal with the Father and the Son (Matthew 28:19-20). He has a mind and knows the will of God (Romans 8:27). He leads (Acts 16:10). He speaks (Acts 8:29). He loves (Romans 15:30). He prays for us (Romans 8:26). He is the Spirit of truth (John 14:17)....
For quite a while now, this small, humble poster (“laminated” with clear boxing tape) has been strategically positioned on a counter in our kitchen where we prepare tea and coffee. It’s been there long enough that I’ve forgotten the details of why I originally made it and placed it there. Time and again, it has caught my eye at just the moment when I am tempted to worry about someone or something....
If we are honest, I think it would be safe to say that most of us are focused on our own needs at this incredibly unpredictable and challenging time. Some are out of work, parents are having to homeschool for the first time, some are sick with the virus, and all of us are experiencing a level of uncertainty like none before. Yet while we here in America are facing this difficult time, let’s consider the level of need in the lands where we have beloved ministry partners...
I spent Maundy Thursday reading Exodus 11 & 12 plus the final chapters of the four Gospels, beginning with the Passover meal in Jerusalem celebrated by Jesus with his disciples that was his Last Supper, continuing on to his crucifixion and then concluding with his resurrection and ascension. In conjunction with the readings, I prayed for all of us and for our families and loved ones, that all may be protected during this time of disease, that the blood of the lamb shall “be on the houses where you are…and no plague will befall you to destroy you.” (Exodus 12:13)....
Dear Friends, As we continue our way through Holy Week, I trust you are benefitting from the Daily Devotions offered by the clergy. Although they are a far cry from the services we customarily offer, I hope you find them to be a blessing and encouragement. As I mentioned in an earlier communication, we will not be offering a Maundy Thursday service this year, but we will be broadcasting the Good Friday liturgy at noon tomorrow, April 10, and an Easter service on April 12 at 10:30 a.m. ...
If you are anything like us, you are finding the Sunday morning St. Philip's services an enormous blessing during these days of uncertainty and isolation! At the end of a long week where bad news seems to abound, it has been so reassuring and comforting to hear some good news on Sunday mornings...
Dear St. Philip’s Family, During this time of isolation, the members of the clergy and staff want to stay connected with you and continue to meet your spiritual needs. We realize there is a great deal of anxiety and fear, and being separated from your church family can be particularly painful. In an effort to best serve you, we have compiled a questionnaire that we hope you will take the time to complete. Rather than speculate as to what you need at this time, we are eager to hear from you! ...
If there was ever a time to pray, it's NOW. There are so many things that need prayer coverage that it's hard to know where to start. First of all, it's vital that you start by enriching your own prayer life. During this time when we are quarantined at home, perhaps you can increase your dedicated time with Him in prayer....
In the midst of this time of uncertainty, I hope you are well. May you find safe shelter not only in “social distancing,” but especially in drawing close to Him who is our true Dwelling Place...
St. Philip’s is assembling a response team for our church members while we are all experiencing the challenges of COVID-19. This is a united effort of the Compassion Committee, the Home Missions Team, the Disaster Relief Committee, and our clergy. We are here to help each other!...
Dear St. Philip’s family, This past week of social distancing has been a surreal and difficult experience for the majority of Americans. Many are beginning to think that if the coronavirus doesn’t get them, “Cabin Fever” will. Not since World War II or the polio epidemic of the 1940s and 50s have the American people been so inconvenienced or threatened with long-term confinement and financial ruin. It reminds me of the following story shared by the Very Reverend Laurie Thompson, Dean of Trinity Seminary. ...
We celebrated Mission Sunday last week and had the opportunity to highlight the many ways that we as a congregation at St. Philip's are “doing mission,” or reaching out to others with the love of God in the name of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Mission is an integral part of what God calls us to do as Christ-followers. While the Great Commission is commonly thought to be the Bible’s one mandate to mission, if we read scripture carefully, we will hear God’s heart for the world woven powerfully throughout all of the Bible. Jesus’ command that we take the Gospel to those who have not yet heard it was not simply an afterthought at the end of his earthly ministry. It was a continuation of the message we find consistently throughout Scripture: God loves us. Despite our rebellion, He went to unfathomable lengths to make it possible for us to know Him and His great love for us and for us to be with Him for all eternity. ...
We dotted all our I's and crossed all our T's; we had every hair in place and all our ducks in a row, but we weren't prepared ... for breaking the Internet! Thanks to everyone who joined us for worship on Sunday! Even though the service didn't come to your living room in quite the mode we were expecting, you were unfazed, and most of us were able to worship together just as we'd planned. Praise God!! Here's a note we received from our streaming platform on Sunday afternoon: Church Online Platform When the Church broke the Internet. This is an unprecedented time for the global Church and for online ministry. For most churches running the Church Online Platform, services went smoothly, and we praise Jesus for the lives that were forever changed! For some churches, though, services went out around 9:15 a.m. CDT/10:15 EDT. In anticipation of the highest-traffic weekend in history, the team had done in-depth load testing and purchased additional server and database capacity to meet the projected demand. But, with today’s traffic, an unanticipated variable arose that caused some issues with chat and with pages loading....
Last Thursday, March 12, the jet landed in Charleston carrying our returning members of the St. Philip’s––St. Michael’s mission team to LAMB in Honduras. What a fantastic week! Mission accomplished: ninety dental patients treated––mostly children and some adult support staff––at the LAMB Children’s Home in San Buenaventura, and two buildings on site painted to completion. From an earthly perspective, the trip was a resounding success. It is, however, the spiritual blessings that each team member received that will remain with us forever. ...
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of this talk on a Wednesday evening at St. Philip’s, except that it would be relatively short and sweet. Really, the word “doubters” in the title caught my attention. I have many people in my life who question the Christian faith and some who claim to be atheists, so I attended hoping to pick up a few tools in defense of the faith that I love. I was not disappointed. Listening to Dr. Dickson of Sydney deliver his carefully concise message, his humor woven throughout with his Strayan accent and lingo, I was delightfully entertained. He discussed what exactly the basis of our Christian faith is and proceeded to clarify and dissect the Apostle’s Creed. Now, although I’ve been reciting the Creed since my youth, he explained some things I had never realized about the three fundamental beliefs in the Apostle’s Creed that unify all Christians....
Dear St. Philip’s Family, Yesterday afternoon, Bishop Lawrence ordered the closure of all churches in the Diocese for the next two weeks in an effort to comply with the government’s call for social distancing to combat the spread of the Coronavirus. In compliance with that directive, ALL activities at St. Philip’s Church are cancelled, effective immediately, through March 31. Like many of you, I am very disappointed that it has come to this–– especially during the Lenten Season––but I understand that extraordinary measures are required, and I fully support the decisions of those in authority. ...
Hello, Tricounty Family Ministries supporters. Due to the new information about the spreading virus, we have made the decision to suspend our normal services through the end of the month. All regular volunteer duties are suspended through March 31. We would like to be able to pass out emergency grocery supplies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and we can set up a safe distribution area outside. Unfortunately, most of our regular staff and volunteers are over the age of 50 and at increased risk for complications due to the virus. In order to continue our grocery distribution, I am looking for volunteers who are under the age of 50 and in good health. ...
Dear St. Philip’s Family, We all share a justifiable anxiety about the threat posed by the spread of the novel coronavirus, and as your Rector, I want to assure you that we are monitoring the situation closely and saying our prayers daily. We are also taking some precautionary measures to ensure the safety and health of our parishioners in worship. We believe that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe and that none of this has taken Him by surprise, but we also recognize our need to be responsible citizens and to care for the most vulnerable members of our community. To that end, we will be implementing the following changes to our worship and parish schedule effective this Sunday....
“There is no way I could relate to or be effective with clients here.” That was my initial reaction when I finally agreed to go in to volunteer at the Lowcountry Pregnancy Center. After years of supporting them in other ways and then being encouraged to actually volunteer by a friend who had served on the board, I decided to answer that call with the idea that I could offer to do clerical volunteer services (a much needed offering). After an interview, when the director said she felt I was best suited to be trained as a volunteer counselor with the clients coming in for pregnancy testing and counseling, the above was my reaction. ...
Last Thursday, March 5, our St. David Choir, which is composed of mixed voices 7th-grade and above, sang the Welsh national anthem and other Welsh pieces at a banquet for the St. David Society at the Carolina Yacht Club for the 21st consecutive year, the 13th with director Jolene Hethcox. Along with the rest of St. Philip’s children’s choirs, this dedicated group will also be singing during the 10:30 service this Sunday, March 15. ...
Several hundred men from St. Philip’s, churches across the state, and as far away as Kenya attended the Christian Men’s Conference at Camp St. Christopher February 21-23. I was blessed to be among them. The theme of this year’s conference was “The Father’s Blessing,” and the goal was for the weekend to be “a time of blessing for all men, young and old, in order that all men may thus be transformed and more fully equipped to build God’s kingdom, man to man.” Anglican Chaplain to the Corps of Cadets at The Citadel Rob Sturdy, looking like an apostle with his full beard and long, bushy hair, brought a passionate and well researched message over four sessions. Rob talked about the cultural view of masculinity being precarious: hard to earn and easy to lose versus the biblical view of masculinity being a gift from God. He talked about God being present, proud, and pleased with his son, Jesus, when he was baptized by John and how this blessing is extended to each of us just because we belong to him....
Last Thursday night at the Country Club of Charleston, over 150 people gathered together in fellowship to celebrate 25 years of mission and ministry service on the island of La Gonâve in Haiti. Our “Friends of Haiti” sponsors and guests, who so graciously supported the event, viewed photos, heard stories and testimonials, sang songs, and celebrated the many blessings of St. Jean Baptiste’s sister-church relationship over the years with St. Philip’s Church, Haitian American Partnership Program, Inc. (HAPPI), Haitian Island Ministries (HIM), and La Gonâve Haiti Partners. ...
I went to Porter-Gaud Bible Study on Wednesday not just for pizza and an Australian accent, but also for the wise words of John Dickson. I am the type of person who tends to follow my head not my heart. Therefore, I found the intellectual logic and information that Dr. Dickson offered particularly satisfying....
Grandparents, are you ready to be encouraged and equipped to influence your grandchildren spiritually? To make them disciples of Jesus Christ and to get to know other grandparents who are doing the same thing for their own grandchildren? Join us on Thursdays following the Rector’s Bible Study as we pray and gather in small groups, using the Legacy Coalition’s guide, “Grandparenting Matters.”...
One day in late November, a staff member discovered a crab and a giraffe left behind in the Parlor. They were siblings––we could tell by the way they bickered with each other. We tried to find their home through Instagram, but no one came forward. Some weeks later, we tried again. Still no luck. Although they were doing well with us, clearly trying to be on their best behavior while finding ways to be helpful around the office, we knew they missed their family (and they themselves were surely missed!), so we tried one last time. ...
I had an amazing time at the March for Life even though I was a little nervous going into because I didn’t know everyone going with St. Philip’s (or the other 800,000 people who were there). Just as I arrived at the airport, I received a text saying that our flight was delayed but that we should still head on over, which was an interesting start to my experience. At the airport, we prayed as a group, took lots of pictures, said our goodbyes to parents and loved ones, and headed to our gate. We made it through security even though there was an extra L in Lily’s name on her boarding pass. At the gate, we played Spicy Uno (which is Uno with interactive rules like “no talking when someone puts down a 7” or “slap the pile when someone puts down a 6”) and Catchphrase. ...
Evangelism. Up until one week ago, I was scared of that word. It carries so much meaning, so much responsibility. On Sunday, January 20, Canon J.John came and spoke at the Rector’s Forum and preached that morning. While I was unable to hear his talk at the Rector’s Forum (I’m definitely listening to it this week!), I heard his sermon. It was so spirit-filling and encouraging that I knew I had to attend his talk the following Tuesday. ...
When my son was in a terrible car accident in 2011, his life was in the balance, and with one phone call, the St. Philip’s prayer chain was alerted and I was able to get many people praying fast. I believe that through these prayers and many more throughout his recovery, he was saved and is now healed. St. Philip’s has had a prayer chain for about the last twenty years, and many of us have taken great comfort in knowing that our situation is getting prayed over “right now.” But now we have a new and improved prayer chain....
If you know of a parishioner who is sick, hospitalized, homebound, or otherwise in need of pastoral care or prayer, please call the church office at (843) 722-7734. ...
In only the second game they've played (two were rained out and one was forfeited), the St. Philip's adult co-ed softball team, led by team captain Ryan "One-Way" Streett and manager Benjamin Singleton, notched their first win of the season last night! After being down 4-2 after the first inning, the Slayers brought in six runs against the Crushers, establishing a lead they never gave up. Congratulations, St. P's!...
In today's devotion, explore another of Charles Wesley's great hymns, "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," which has some unexpected influences. "Pray and praise thee without ceasing, glory in thy perfect love."...
Keep Reading "Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul, worship his holy name." Praise the Lord this morning with the Rev. Marc Boutan while exploring Psalm 103, one of Father Marc's favorite psalms, and the song "10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)" by Matt Redman. ...
Keep Reading Join us for worship on the Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, June 28! The Reverend Brian K. McGreevy, will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. You may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 a.m. ...
Keep Reading "We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:20) What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? As we as ambassadors reach out across boundaries, how do we ensure we don't undermine our mission by being accidentally hurtful?...
Keep Reading Our names are engraved on the palms of our Lord's hands. Explore the permanence of God's love for us with Marc Boutan as he gives his musical offering, Charlie Lees Bancroft and Vikki Cook's "Before the Throne of God Above."...
Keep Reading Explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy today the great hymn "Lift High the Cross," including the background of its author, George Kitchin, and the inspiration behind it. "Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim till all the world adore his sacred name."...
Keep Reading Today, Judge Edgar W. Dickson, Judge of the First Judicial Circuit in the South Carolina Court of Common Pleas, issued an Order finding that St. Philip’s did not accede to the 1979 Dennis Canon and is thus the owner of its property. He further found that no other Parish acceded to the Dennis Canon and thus no trust was ever created in favor of The Episcopal Church (TEC)....
Keep Reading Join us for worship on the Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 21! The Reverend Jeffrey S. Miller, Rector, will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. You may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning at 8:15 ...
Keep Reading The apostle Paul said in his letter to Timothy that "in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons." When we look to our leaders in these turbulent times, and as we seek to be change-makers, how do we ensure we are aligning ourselves with movements that are walking in the way of the cross?...
Keep Reading “What is truth?” This question posed to Jesus by Pontius Pilate in John chapter 18 is still being asked today, with a myriad of answers and implications. What is the truth about truth, and what does it mean for Christians today?...
Keep Reading In today's devotion, learn about the text and tune of "Praise to the Living God," one of the great hymns of the church that actually has its origins in a Jewish doxology. "Praise to the living God! All praisèd be His name, who was, and is, and is to be, for aye the same!" ...
Keep Reading "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." In his final daily devotion, the Rev. Ryan Streett looks to Psalm 16:11 as he concludes his series about cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about God, the object of our worship, this time focusing on God's attribute of blessedness....
Keep Reading Join us for worship on the Second Sunday After Pentecost, June 14! The Reverend Andrew O'Dell will be preaching. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may watch at your convenience on our Vimeo Channel beginning at the same time. Starting this week, you may also watch on our YouTube Channel beginning ...
Keep Reading God loves the whole world and cares about every need, and he has put those cares, those little pieces of his heart, into the hearts of his children so that the needs of the world may be met. What is the Church's role in meeting the infinite needs of the world? What is YOUR role?...
Keep Reading The apostle Paul says in the third chapter of 2 Timothy that in the last days, "people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive ... treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power"...
Keep Reading "Amazing love, how can it be that Thou, my God, should die for me!" In today's devotion, learn about renowned British hymn writer Charles Wesley, who was the 18th child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, and who at least once worshiped at St. Philip's during a journey to the southern United States. Then reflect with the Rev. Brian McGreevy on Wesley's hymn "And Can It Be."...
Keep Reading Continue cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about God, the object of our worship, focusing this week on Psalm 2 and God's sovereignty over our lives. "You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession."...
Keep Reading Have you ever felt pushed out of your comfort zone into uncertainty and wondered whether God would be there to help? Reflect today on Psalm 91 and the song "On Eagle's Wings": And He will raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand....
Keep Reading Join us for worship on Trinity Sunday, June 7! The Reverend Ryan T. Streett will be delivering his final sermon at St. Philip's, "Crowned with Universal Praise," before he goes on to serve as rector of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, Mississippi. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choo...
Keep Reading "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." As we think about what's happening in the world around us, let us remember three things: to pray, to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, and to listen to the voices of those who are hurting....
Keep Reading In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus effectively diagnoses the problem in society and in the world: the corruption of the human heart. What does Scripture say is the cure? The responsibility lies with us as Christians: to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel, which alone can turn stony hearts into hearts of flesh....
Keep Reading "I bind unto myself today the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One and One in Three." This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, and in today's reflection with Brian McGreevy, learn about the fascinating life of the often-misunderstood St. Patrick, who wrote the hymn most know as "St. Patrick's Breastplate."...
Keep Reading Would you like someone to pray with you, or would you like to request prayer for someone else?...
Keep Reading "For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps." Revisit with the Rev. Ryan Streett the theme of cultivating a heart of worship by learning more about the object of our worship, this time reflecting on Psalm 135:5-6 and God's omnipotence, his absolute power vers...
Keep Reading "You have forsaken your first love ... Repent, and do the things you did at first." (Revelation 2:4-5.) In today's devotion, the Rev. Marc Boutan reflects on the enthusiasm he expressed in his early days as a "happy-clappy" Christian....
Keep Reading Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Brian K. McGreevy, and we will be celebrating Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, with Spiritual Communion. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Keep Reading When the trials of this life begin to get you down, whatever those trials may be, remember the words of St. Paul in the 8th chapter of his letter to the Romans: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."...
Keep Reading "Come, thou fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace." Prepare for Pentecost by stepping back in time to the mid-18th century to meet Robert Robinson, the young troublemaker who would go on to write this great hymn....
Keep Reading We all want to be great. We all want to make a positive impact, no matter our vocation in life. But what does it mean to be great in the sight of the Lord? What did Jesus mean in Matthew chapter 18 when he said we must become like little children to be great in the Kingdom of God?...
Keep Reading If not for the pandemic, many in our parish family would have spent last weekend or a weekend coming up celebrating a loved one's graduation. There would be ceremonies: caps and gowns, deans and diplomas, confetti and car keys (maybe), kisses and hugs from family, and hugs and handshakes from the families of fellow graduates....
Keep Reading "Lift up your heads, O gates; lift them high, O everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in." On Sunday, we looked at the Ascension from the point of view of Jesus' departure (Luke 24), but today, see the Ascension from the point of view of his arrival at the gates of Heaven by looking at Psalm 24 with the Rev. Ryan Streett....
Keep Reading "Day by day, oh dear Lord, three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly..." Visit Wadmalaw Island and sing and pray along with the Rev. Marc Boutan today....
Keep Reading Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Jeffrey S. Miller, and we will be celebrating the Feast of the Ascension. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel. ...
Keep Reading "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude." In today's devotion, take a closer look at the context of the familiar words of 1 Corinthians 13 and learn what St. Paul is telling us about the building up of the Church....
Keep Reading Today, on the Feast of the Ascension, the Rev. Brian McGreevy shares some unexpected facts about W. Chatterton Dix, who wrote the profoundly moving words of "Alleluia! Sing to Jesus" in 1866. Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now; Alleluia! he is near us, faith believes, nor questions how: Though the cloud from sight received him, when the forty days were o...
Keep Reading What must a person do to be saved? Explore Acts chapter 16 with the Reverend Jeff Miller to find Saint Paul's answer to this most important question....
Keep Reading Today, work again with the Rev. Ryan Streett at cultivating a heart of worship, this time exploring God's infinitude and our difficulty...
Keep Reading Join the Rev. Marc Boutan on Wadmalaw Island this morning as he shares his appreciation for the flavor of Celtic Christianity and its emphasis on the Trinity. Then sing along to the hymn "Be Thou My Vision," set to the familiar Irish tune "Slane."...
Keep Reading God said to his people, exiled from their homeland in Babylon, “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7) The Rev. Marc Boutan prayed these words in the conclusion to his May 17 sermon: ...
Keep Reading Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Marc R. Boutan. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Keep Reading Many are eager for our church to get back to business as usual. Join the Rev. Andrew O'Dell today as he reflects on moving forward faithfully, using Joshua 1:9 and Galatians 6:2 as a guide....
Keep Reading Today, take a closer look with the Rev. Brian McGreevy at the imagery of one of the great hymns of the church, one that dates as far back as the 6th or 7th century. Within the words of "At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing," you will find the explanation of God's love and the wonder of what Jesus accomplished on the cross....
Keep Reading Join the Rev. Jeff Miller for a reflection on John Chapter 12, verses 1-8: The Anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany. What can we learn from the example of Mary, the woman who was always found sitting at the Lord’s feet?...
Keep Reading Knowing something about God, the object of our worship, is one way to begin to cultivate a heart of worship, and we can learn a lot about God through the psalter. Take a look at Psalm 27:4 with the Rev. Ryan Streett this morning and explore the beauty of God....
Keep Reading In today's reflection, the Rev. Marc Boutan offers you Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive's "Is He Worthy?". "Does our God intend to dwell again with us? He does."...
Keep Reading Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Andrew R. O'Dell. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Keep Reading The apostle Paul said in his letter to Timothy: "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life." Join the Rev. Andrew O'Dell as he reflects on these different types of prayer and the importance of praying for ALL of our leaders....
Keep Reading On the National Day of Prayer, the Rev. Brian McGreevy shares the story of Henry Lyte, who wrote the great hymn "Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven" and many others following a revival of his faith....
Keep Reading Join the Rev. Jeff Miller today for a reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10. “It’s only because Jesus was the Good Samaritan to us that we are empowered and given the strength to be good samaritans to others.”...
Keep Reading "For you are with me." While people use many different psalms in times of trial and adversity, Psalm 23 is often reserved for the lowest valley, the sharpest pain. In today's reflection with the Rev. Ryan Streett, take a closer look at what's at the heart of this strong medicine for the weary soul....
Keep Reading God is a loving father, and he loves YOU. Today, the Rev. Marc Boutan shares the ways he stays in God's love, including reading his Bible as well as messages rooted in Scripture, and he offers up Pat Barrett and Tony Brown's "You're a Good, Good Father."...
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On Wednesday in Holy Week, the Rev. Jeff Miller takes you through Matthew 26, a tense section of Scripture that has at its center the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. It is filled with darkness and foreboding...
Keep Reading Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Ryan T. Streett. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
Keep Reading The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:12, "I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service." Check in today with the Rev. Andrew O'Dell, who is offering some encouragement and guidance to all, especially those whose well might be dry during these stressful times....
Keep Reading "I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever." In preparation for Good Shepherd Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy the history and meaning of the great hymn "The King of Love My Shepherd Is," a mixture of Psalm 23 and the great Good News of Jesus himself being our Shepherd....
Keep Reading Join the Rev. Jeff Miller as we read Mark 1:40-45 and consider the account of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. What does this story teach us about Jesus Christ, the Great Physician?...
Keep Reading Explore with the Rev. Ryan Streett Psalm 119:9,11. We all know to use our Bible in the midst of trials and difficulty, but do you know that it's more important to use it as a tool in preparing for those times?...
Keep Reading "My grace is sufficient; my power is made perfect in your weakness." Join the Rev. Marc Boutan on breezy Wadmalaw Island as he illustrates the message of 2 Corinthians 12:9 with Dennis Jernigan's "You Are My All in All."...
Keep Reading Our preacher this Sunday will be the Rev. Brian K. McGreevy. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
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Of the three persons of the Holy Trinity, it is often the Holy Spirit who is the least understood, and yet the Holy Spirit is actively at work in the life of the believer, working behind the scenes to encourage us, guide us, nudge us, empower us, and point the hearts of believers back to the Father and the Son. He is also the giver of spiritual gifts...
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This morning, take a closer look with Brian McGreevy at one of the oldest Easter hymns, "That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright," which has been used in worship since at least the 8th century and is likely even older than that....
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Today, the Rev. Jeff Miller visits Luke Chapter 24 and reflects on the familiar story of Jesus' encounter with the Emmaus disciples. What does it mean for us that people, including those closest to Jesus, failed to recognize him following the Resurrection?...
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On this Tuesday in the second week of Easter, the Rev. Ryan Streett reflects on the power of the psalms to calm fear, anxiety, and worry, sharing about a time when he himself leaned on the psalter and drew particular comfort from Psalm 116:6....
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What does it mean for God to put his name upon us? This Monday morning, the Rev. Marc Boutan talks to us about God's desire to bless his people. "May the Lord, Mighty God, bless and keep you for ever."...
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The Christian life is a life of giving; do not underestimate the spiritual food that YOU can provide! On this Friday in Easter week, the Rev. Andrew O'Dell will guide you as you look to the interest of others in the name of the Resurrected Jesus Christ....
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This coming Sunday, April 19, was scheduled to be Confirmation Sunday, and although confirmation has been postponed, we are pleased and honored that our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Mark J. Lawrence, will still be with us as preacher. You may stream the service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or Yo...
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On Thursday of Easter Week, explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy how "Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain," a glorious hymn written by St. John of Damascus in the 700s, encourages us to live in the light and joy of the Resurrection....
Keep Reading Jesus' story does not end with his death on the cross. On Wednesday in Easter week, explore with the Rev. Jeff Miller John chapter 20, a chapter that includes some of the last words that Jesus spoke, words of comfort and encouragement....
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We are accustomed as a society to focusing on the future; what do we do in times like these when the future is so uncertain? Join the Rev. Ryan Streett on this Tuesday in Easter week as he helps us find guidance in Psalm 13....
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This Easter Monday morning, the Rev. Marc Boutan gives us Michael Kelly Blanchard's "Be Ye Glad." Every debt that you ever had Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord. Be ye glad, be ye glad, be ye glad!...
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Celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ online tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.! You may stream our Easter service at the link below beginning a few minutes before 10:30 with the prelude, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel....
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Why do we call today "Good Friday"? How does Good Friday connect to the Jewish Feast of Passover? Reflect on this connection with the Rev. Andrew O'Dell and his special musical guest....
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Please join us for worship online on April 10, Good Friday, at noon. You may stream the service at the link below, or you may choose to watch on our Vimeo or YouTube Channel. ...
Keep Reading On Maundy Thursday, explore with the Rev. Brian McGreevy one of the great hymns of the church, "Pange Lingua," which has been sung faithfully by Christians in the midst of plague, war, and every single horror the human race has endured since it was written in the year 569....
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We may not understand the why, why our loving and all-powerful God allows evil and suffering in the world, but we can understand the who. Learn what Psalm 22 tells us about God's character, about who he is, and walk the path of the cross with the Rev. Ryan Streett on Tuesday in Holy Week....
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What can you offer the Lord today? What can you give Him that shows YOUR way of loving Him? Click below for a Holy Week reflection from the Rev. Marc Boutan, the first in a new series of daily devotions from our clergy....
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St. Philippians and Friends, Thank you to all who submitted feedback about our online worship offering! Most of you streamed the service without trouble, but we have some solutions for those of you who did encounter issues. The link below will take you to the streaming site; the Palm Sunday service will begin a few minutes before 10:30 a.m. with the Prelude....
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St. Philippians and Friends, Even though we "broke the Internet" last Sunday when we, along with members of other churches across the country, went online in droves to worship, we are going to give the same streaming platform another shot this Sunday, the Fifth Sunday in Lent! Here is a link to the stream, which will begin a few minutes before 10:30 a.m. with the prelud...
Keep Reading St. Philip’s is assembling a response team for our church members while we are all experiencing the challenges of COVID-19. This is a united effort of the Compassion Committee, the Home Missions Team, the Disaster Relief Committee, and our clergy. We are here to help each other!...
Keep Reading We dotted all our I's and crossed all our T's; we had every hair in place and all our ducks in a row, but we weren't prepared ... for breaking the Internet! Thanks to everyone who joined us for worship on Sunday! Even though the service didn't come to your living room in quite the mode we were expecting, you were unfazed, and most of us were able to worship together jus...
Keep Reading St. Philippians, we are pleased to announce that we are all set for online worship on Sunday, March 22, at 10:30 a.m.! Here are a few things to note: 1. The service will remain available online after the stream is over. This means that should you miss the service for any reason, you will still be able to watch later. 2. A service bulletin is available for you to view or ...
Keep Reading Last Thursday, March 5, our St. David Choir, which is composed of mixed voices 7th-grade and above, sang the Welsh national anthem and other Welsh pieces at a banquet for the St. David Society at the Carolina Yacht Club for the 21st consecutive year, the 13th with director Jolene Hethcox. Along with the rest of St. Philip’s children’s choirs, this dedicated group will ...
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The annual St. Philip’s Tea Room is an opportunity for the entire parish to come together as one to help raise money for our important ministries. Volunteer forms were mailed last week, and online sign-up is also available! Whether you crave customer interaction or you prefer working behind the scenes, there are plenty of jobs that will be right up your alley. If you’r...
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Tricounty Family Ministries has new needs and opportunities for you to serve! 1. Healthy Breakfast Food ItemsWe receive donations of many pastries and baked goods that we share at our continental breakfast each morning. But many of our clients are diabetic or have other health issues that prevent them from enjoying these treats. We are in need of healthier breakfast ite...
Keep Reading Grandparents, are you ready to be encouraged and equipped to influence your grandchildren spiritually? To make them disciples of Jesus Christ and to get to know other grandparents who are doing the same thing for their own grandchildren? Join us on Thursdays following the Rector’s Bible Study as we pray and gather in small groups, using the Legacy Coalition’s guide, ...
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From watermission.org: Inspired by the burden that millions of women and children bear every day walking an average of 3.5 miles to collect water that’s not safe, Water Mission’s “Walk for Water” raises awareness of the global water crisis and funds that save lives. On March 21, thousands will rally together in Charleston to give hope to those who lack access to sa...
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The first of Australian author and speaker John Dickson’s two Sundays at St. Philip’s could not have been scheduled any better, as it coincided with a day when the children’s choirs of St. Philip’s were singing. “Kids sing” Sundays always put a few more folks in the pews, and sometimes those folks are people who have not heard very much about the Christian fait...
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The Home Missions Team (formerly the Home Missions Committee) is a group of parishioners commissioned by the leadership of the parish to discern, communicate, and organize the parish’s local mission and outreach efforts. The Team leads by example and provides the congregation of St. Philip’s with opportunities to serve and minister to the people of Charleston by partne...
Keep Reading One day in late November, a staff member discovered a crab and a giraffe left behind in the Parlor. They were siblings––we could tell by the way they bickered with each other. We tried to find their home through Instagram, but no one came forward. Some weeks later, we tried again. Still no luck. Although they were doing well with us, clearly trying to be on their best ...
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For many St. Philippians––as well as neighbors and visitors who worship with us annually––Christmas Eve is the most special day of the year because of the traditions we look forward to as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Christmas Pageant, the first of our three Christmas Eve services, is a time for the youngest members of our congreg...
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Last month, St. John’s Chapel, a mission church of our diocese, hosted “Unity in the Community,” an afternoon of BBQ, music, and fellowship that aimed to foster peace while raising funds for security in a neighborhood plagued by crime. St. Philip’s made a donation to the cause and helped promote the event, and the leadership of St. John’s was very grateful:...
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Preparations for this year’s Lessons and Carols service, which falls annually on the Third Sunday in Advent, began months ago when Pat Gould, the St. Philip’s Choir director; Jo Hethcox, director of the Cherub, St. Nicholas, Canterbury, and St. David Choirs; and Andrea White, the St. Cecilia Choir director, began choosing the anthems their choristers would be singing t...
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Just before noon on Friday, December 6, the Parish Hall was abuzz with women of St. Philip’s, their guests, and other ladies from across our diocese, all of whom had come to enjoy an elegant luncheon while listening to renowned speaker Susan Alexander Yates deliver her Advent message: “Finding Peace in a Season of Uncertainty.”...
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On Saturday, December 7, Church St. was a parade of festively dressed folks as St. Philippians made their way to the rectory for this year’s Advent drop-in. All the elements that we have come to expect from the past couple of years were in place: plenty of egg nog; live garland on the mantles and banisters; baked brie, meatballs, pimento cheese, and lots of other goodies...
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The Saturday before Thanksgiving, several St. Philippian youths met up with youth minister David Gilbert and youth leader Sarah Silcox to go door-to-door downtown to collect canned goods for Tricounty Family Ministries ahead of one of its busiest weeks of the year. The kids divided themselves into small groups and headed off in all directions to begin their mission to t...
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The St. Philip’s Home Missions Committee is once again partnering with Tricounty Family Ministries to help brighten Christmas for Charleston families by collecting $25 gift cards to Walmart, Family Dollar, Big Lots, and Dollar Tree so that parents in need can have the dignity of purchasing a gift for their child. The Committee is also working with St. John’s Chapel, a ...
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If you didn’t make it to this year’s parish retreat in the mountains of North Carolina, then you didn’t get to witness the joys of that weekend, among them the laughter at Friday’s social and sing-along, the hum of conversation as the bonds of our church family strengthened over each meal, and whatever happened at the hoedown that made the Millers and O’Dells rea...
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September 15 was a joyous day at St. Philip’s: the anthems were glorious, the sermon was rousing, the bouncy house was hopping, and the BBQ was delicious and plentiful. Rally Sunday is a day that St. Philippians look forward to every year because it marks the return of Sunday School and the Rector’s Forum after what always seems like an endless summer. But Rally Sunday...
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Because of the mandatory evacuation order and the possibility that many of our families might not be back in time for the originally scheduled Rally Sunday, we haved moved Rally Sunday to September 15....
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During the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, the Rev. Andrew O’Dell invited all students and teachers to come forward for a blessing before the start of the new school year....
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Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University is the class that helps you pay off debt, budget, save money, and give generously. Sit down with Tripp Hathaway and the Rev. Ryan Streett in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd and learn about debt snowballs, emergency funds, wealth-building, and more....
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The Canterbury Choir departs for the International Children's Choir Festival in Canterbury and London on Saturday, July 20! Please pray that their travels there are trouble-free and that the words of the anthems they sing might reach the hearts of those listening and spread the Gospel of our Lord. ...
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On Wednesday, July 3, the Rev. Ryan Streett and seven members of his College Fellowship group each bowled perfect 300s at Ashley Lanes in West Ashley! ...
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St. Philip's joined the world of Instagram on July 2follow us today! https://www.instagram.com/st.philips.church/ Our first post: "St. Philip's apologizes for the temporary ice cream shortage we inadvertently caused during the second pilgrimage to Greece." St. Philip's Ministry to Children and Families and St. Philip's Youth are also on Instagram! https://www.instagr...
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Against the Tide: Young Ladies' Bible Study A 4-week study on how to stand firm in your faith and be salt and light in your school. When: Four Tuesdays, July 9-July 30, at 5:00 p.m. Where: The Youth Room, St. Philip's Parish House Leader: Sarah Silcox Full description:Middle school and high school are tough enough. When you add your faith to this increasingly secular ...
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Sam and Carol Robinson, Miles Barkley, Emmie Hershey and her son Clay, and Gerry and Suzanne McCord were in La Gonâve, Haiti, June 19-24 for St. Philip’s annual Jean Baptiste Feast Day Mission. Read about their experience in the next inSPIRE! ...
Keep Reading If you know of a parishioner who is sick, hospitalized, homebound, or otherwise in need of pastoral care or prayer, please call the church office at (843) 722-7734. ...
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We thank God for the safe return of our first group of St. Philippian pilgrims, who journeyed in the footsteps of St. Paul May 28 through June 7. Our second group began the journey June 11 and will return June 21. Please pray for their safety as they travel and that they, too, would experience a deepening sense of God’s mission for the church....
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From June 10-July 26 (8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.), St. John's Chapel, one of St. Philip's Home Missions partners, is hosting a summer camp that will help children ages 6-15 and their young adult counselors develop academic and social skills outside of a traditional classroom setting....
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In his Easter sermon, the Rev. Jeff Miller illustrated Jesus’ gift to us with a story he’d read by Harry Allen Ironside, former pastor of Moody Church in Chicago. In the story, a young man, the son of a friend of Czar Nicholas of Russia, had been given a post as paymaster in a border fortress. A gambling problem, though, soon led him to begin taking a few rubles here a...
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As early as Saturday, April 13, college students feeling the weight of upcoming final exams received some goodies in the mail to help them cope with stress and remind them that their St. Philip’s family is here at home rooting for them!...
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As Saturday, April 13, was approaching, experts in Augusta, GA, and Charleston, SC, anxiously consulted weather reports to figure out how their events might be impacted if the rain followed through on its threat to pour down. ...
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On April 7, 2019, the day of her confirmation, Elizabeth “Betsy” Bailey became the fifth Elizabeth to wear her now 99-year-old family cross....
Keep Reading In only the second game they've played (two were rained out and one was forfeited), the St. Philip's adult co-ed softball team, led by team captain Ryan "One-Way" Streett and manager Benjamin Singleton, notched their first win of the season last night! After being down 4-2 after the first inning, the Slayers brought in six runs against the Crushers, establishing a lead the...
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